Saturday, May 25, 2013

RollerCoaster

Last year in May I posted this blog:Thrive or Survive.In this post I talked about making the choice to thrive during the end of the year festivities or simply survive till school is out. I believe my message was positive and I encourage you all to revisit this post; it has ideas on how to thrive!As I say this, I will admit that these last few weeks have been a roller coaster ride! I want to THRIVE! My mentality is upbeat and positive, but I'll admit some days I feel defeated. I'm writing today to share some of the ups and downs and to let all of you know that it's okay. Some days may feel like survival and others you may feel like you are thriving. It's the end of the year and that's a typical feeling.

Let's rewind to last week. The week began on a high note. I was in every classroom on Monday... I love these days! As the week went on I started having to deal with increased discipline and disgruntled parents. I say THANK GOODNESS for Enterprise City which was held in Taylor, MI. That 4th grade field trip was amazing! It was just what I needed. The very next day I taught music...and I must admit I rocked it out (which is shocking since I'm tone deaf)! Those were easily some of the high moments! Then the lows: Discipline, parent meetings, disgruntled parents and complaints about transportation. I know, I know...it comes with the territory. You're right, I can deal with it. I say all this because it is completely normal to have moments of thriving, and then SMACK, you jump into survival mode. We have 11 days of school remaining. I'm not going to lie, we will all experience ups and downs in the final days. As I sit back I reflect on ways I have helped myself get to a "better place". Here's my list:

After a tough day this has helped:

1) Exercise. Nothing is better for me than a good hard workout!

2) Family outing. Go to dinner or on a walk or simply sit on the couch and watch a program together.

3) Go shopping! You laugh, but I find when I'm down it's nice to go out and buy myself something.

4) Write a positive note to a friend. When I do something kind for someone else it makes me feel good.

5) Call a friend or relative that you haven't talked to in a long time. This gets your mind off your issues.

6) Throw yourself into your hobby. My wife enjoys landscaping. After a hard day I often find her outside working.

7) Find a funny book, show, or movie. Laughter is a great medicine!

8) Pray. Trust in your faith.

These eight areas have lifted me up, and so my advice is: Deal with the issues head on, and then move on. I read a recent quote that really hit home with me, it said, "Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy." -BuscagliaRecently I watched the movie 42. This was the story of Jackie Robinson. I really enjoyed the movie, I left feeling uplifted and feeling as though I could deal with challenging conversations. Check out this clip:

Favorite Line: "I want a player that has the guts NOT to fight back."As you enter these final weeks understand we all experience the roller coaster of emotions. Ups and downs are a part of the year that we must expect. How will you move past the "downs"? How will you recharge, refocus and bring out the best in each day?